Does the transfer mill ever stop spinning? Probably not. But it’s that time of year again when everyone starts feeding off the scraps in the January window. Two years ago we signed Mitrović, will we uncover another gem to steer us to another promotion?
This week, we look back over the first five rumours that seem to be doing the rounds…
Florent Hadergjonaj
Age: 25
Position: Right Back
Current Club: Huddersfield Town
Former Clubs: Langnau, Thun, Luzern, Young Boys, Ingolstadt 04
Professional club appearances: 153
International appearances: (Switzerland U20) 3, (Switzerland U21) 10, (Switzerland) 1, (Kosovo) 6
Career goals: 2
Career assists: 22
Florent Hadergjonaj currently plays at right back for struggling Huddersfield. He’s currently made 15 appearances this season and made 2 assists, whilst last season, when Huddersfield finished on 16 points and came down with us, Hadergjonaj played in 24 out of the 38 premier league games, failing to score or assist in those games. In his 6 appearances for his national side Kosovo, two of which were starts at left back and right wing against England, he has made 1 assist. So far this season Hadergjonaj has been pretty average in the Huddersfield defence. He has only had one stand out performance so far which came against Charlton where he played out of his favoured right back position and slotted in at left back, possibly meaning that left back is actually his best position. He has scored 2 professional goals, possibly showing he is more of a defence full back. He would give good competition to Bryan, and could start at right back. However, personally I’m not too sure if he is the class we should be looking for. There are much better full backs out there, and he should be our last resort in the transfer market.
Rumour Rating: 5/10
James Justin
Age: 21
Position: Right Back
Current Club: Leicester City
Former Clubs: Luton Town
Professional club appearances: 92
International appearances: (England U20) 2, (England U21) 5
Career goals: 7
Career assists: 12
James Justin recently moved from Luton to Leicester for a reported £7 million. He joined Luton in 2005 and stayed there until last season. Justin is currently the backup to Ricardo Periera in his favoured position. However he has played twice for Leicester in the league at left back and left midfield, the latter coming with an assist against Watford. He has scored 1 goal this season, against his former club in the league cup and received a standing ovation from the home and away fans showing he is a likeable character and puts 100% effort in at the club he is playing for. He has made appearances for England U20’s, England U21’s and is unlucky that there is a lot of competition in the England squad at his favoured right back position. If Leicester are willing to sell Justin, or a loan move, I feel he could be an excellent signing for us. He would provide competition to Bryan at left back, who needs competition to stay on top form it seems, and could strengthen the team by starting at right back. He likes to push forward, but can also defend. Right now we need players putting in 100% effort, and I think that Justin is that kind of player.
Rumour Rating: 9/10
Jovane Cabral
Age: 21
Position: Right Wing
Current Club: Sporting CP
Former Clubs: Gremio Nhagar, Sporting B
Professional club appearances: 52
International appearances: (Cape Verde) 1
Career goals: 6
Career assists: 3
Jovane Cabral is currently at Sporting CP. The young winger is currently out injured with an unknown return date. He is in high demand from numerous clubs, and although we were all shocked when we got Seri, I can’t see this transfer happening. Barcelona are interested and he has a €60 million release clause protecting him. The fast tricky winger has very good skill in his locker, but judging by the stats, not the best end product. He may be keen to leave as he hasn’t started for Sporting CP so far this season, but my guess is he would rather Barcelona than Fulham, especially with our divided fan base at the minute. At 21 he still has bags of potential, and plenty of time to become a top class player. However, with Kamara and Kebano recently picking up form and still having Cav and Knockaert, despite them not being in the best form, I’m not sure if Cabral should be a priority for us. If we do manage to go up he could be a good signing, but in January, despite being a class player, I don’t think it is the best choice.
Rumour Rating: 6/10
Flynn Downes
Age: 20
Position: Centre Midfield
Current Club: Ipswich Town
Former Clubs: Luton Town (Loan)
Professional Club Appearances: 69
International Appearances: (England U19) 5, (England U20) 6
Career Goals: 2
Career Assists: 4
TWTD are reporting that promising Ipswich midfielder Flynn Downes could be on his way to the Cottage in January. Brian Talbot, our Assistant Director of Football Operations, has been seen at Portman Road watching over Downes in a recent FA Cup tie against Luton. But who is Flynn Downes? Downes has been at Ipswich from a young age and regularly impressed in their youth teams so much so that Mick McCarthy played him in the Championship with a loan spell To Luton also helping his progress. Flynn despite only being 20 has a lot experience and has been regularly putting in some great performances in League One this season. These performances earned him the record of becoming the teams youngest ever captain when his team played Coventry. Overall, I think that Downes is a very promising player and has a bright future but with so many players in his position at the club already I struggle seeing him getting much game time.
Rumour Rating: 8/10
Macauley Bonne
Age: 24
Position: Striker
Current Club: Charlton Athletic
Former Clubs: Ipswich Town, Norwich City, Colchester United, Lincoln City (Loan), Working (Loan), Leyton Orient
Professional Club Appearances: 207
International Appearances: (Zimbabwe U20) 1, (Zimbabwe U20) 2
Career Goals: 67
Career Assists: 11
Charlton forward Macauley Bonne is reportedly being monitored by us, Newcastle United and Leicester City according to TalkSport. Despite the interest it is thought that Bonne would prefer a move to Newcastle as he feels game time would be restricted at Fulham or Leicester. But who is Macauley Bonne? A Zimbabwe international, Bonne was born in Ipswich to Zimbabwean parents allowing him to be eligible to represent them. Bonne struggled to make an impact in the academies he was in with both Ipswich and Norwich letting him go before settling at Colchester. Despite a long spell at Colchester he struggled to find any form so in 2017 he joined National League side Leyton Orient which is where he started making a name for himself. After a brilliant two years at the O’s, Charlton signed him at the beginning of the current season where he has scored important goals and been impressive in the matches he featured in. Overall, I think he would provide us with a good back up to Mitrovic, but I think it is unlikely to happen unfortunately.
Rumour Rating: 6/10
